Tag Archives: Android

From carrying cases to toys and gadgets, cool new iPhone 5 accessories are cropping up all the time. But a new Kickstarter project offers up something totally unique, with a GPS system that'll protect your ride. And for cyclists, there can be no doubt that the BikeSpike will be this summer's absolute most important iPhone 5 accessory.

The new gadget works primarily as a GPS tracker, thanks to a native app that works for iOS as well as Android.

Just attach the BikeSpike to your bike and you'll be able to digitally "lock" your bicycle in a geo-fenced location. If it moves, or if someone even tries tampering with it, you'll get a notification on your phone.

And if a thief does manage to get their hands on it, you'll be able to track its location on map, even granting temporary access to law enforcement so they can recover it more quickly.

So far, it's among the best accessories for iPhone 5 or Android designed specifically for cyclists. And it may just become as important to standard bike security as your typical bike lock. And parents will love the safety of being able to monitor their kids when they ride outside of a designated "safe zone."

But there's a lot more to love about this awesome accessory than anti-theft protection and kid safety.

That's because the BikeSpike also works as a performance monitoring tool, logging your distance, speed and calories burned and even keeping track of inclines and routes taken. You can then share your stats to friends by phone.

Plus, if you happen to get in an accident, BikeSpike's collision detection system "can alert key members of your contact list and share the location of an accident."

At PureMobile, we're always on the lookout for the coolest new iPhone 5 accessories. And for anyone who enjoys biking during the summer, the BikeSpike is probably the single most worthwhile iPhone 5 accessory that ever rode on two wheels. Check out the BikeSpike team on Kickstarter or take a look at the video below. (It's pretty funny, actually.)

Samsung announcement for the London premiere of new Galaxy and ATIV devices

For the past couple of months now at Pure Mobile, Samsung's Galaxy S4 has been the big talk. We've practically been eating, sleeping and breathing Galaxy S4 cases and accessories since the device's launch. And, as of this month, Galaxy S4 sales had started to close in on those of the iPhone 5.

But we can hardly expect this to be the last of Samsung's successes. And the company announced today that it will be holding an upcoming roadshow event, the "Premiere 2013" in London next month.

The teaser poster for the June 20th event mentions Galaxy and ATIV devices, so we're pretty sure the company will be unveiling its latest Android and Windows devices. As for the teaser pics on the poster, which don't exactly spell things out, Engadget thinks they could relate to a a tablet or phone, laptop, and camera:

Oh, and speaking of rumors...before its official unveiling, Samsung was touting the Galaxy S4 as "the next big thing." But a recent leak could suggest that that Galaxy S4's successor could actually be the next little thing.

According to BGR, which cites various sources, "Samsung is working on half a dozen different versions of its new flagship Galaxy S4 smartphone, including a more manageable variant called the Galaxy S4 mini."

And the fact that the device – presumably a smaller-scale version of the Galaxy S4 – actually briefly showed up online in Samsung's official app catalogue for the UK indicates that this is more than mere rumor. Indeed, as BGR put it, "the phone has now been confirmed by Samsung, albeit accidentally."

So while we at Pure Mobile will probably still be obsessing over the Galaxy S4 and Galaxy S4 accessories for the next month or so, we've got a feeling that, come the London event, we'll have an all new lineup of Samsung smartphones, tablets and other devices to sweep us off our feet.

Over the past week or so, we at Pure Mobile have been fussing quite a bit over the new Galaxy S4 and all the latest accessories for it. But we're also pretty pumped about another new Android phone, and we're really excited about the new arrival at our shop of a slew of coolHTC One accessories and carrying cases.

Back at the end of February, when the HTC One was unveiled, we gave you the lowdown on the phone's sleek, lightweight design and top-of-the line screen and interface. And now that its actually arrived, we're just as eager to give you the lowdown on the huge range of HTC One accessories now available.

OtterBox Defender HTC One Case in Black

Some of the leading accessories makers are turning their attention to the latest HTC phone, with popular carrying cases like OtterBox's Defender and Commuter now available for the HTC One. Both are already among the most protective and highest rated carrying cases for other phones, like the iPhone 5 and Samsung Galaxy S4. And the models for HTC One are no different.

Likewise, Incipio's also released their own HTC One accessories, with a model of their popular Feather carrying case for the latest HTC device. As with models for other devices, the Feather still offers rugged protection in a slim, lightweight case.

And of course, it's only to be expected that there be a few official HTC-branded accessories in the mix as well, like the Double Dip hardshell case and Double Dip Flip case for HTC One, both of which are stylish, sophisticated, and in keeping with the overall look of the HTC One.

HTC Double Dip Flip case for HTC One in Black and Red

There are plenty of other options as well when it comes to new HTC One accessories, from more heavy-duty cases to slim, minimalist protection. And, as much as the Galaxy S4 seems to be the star among new smartphones, all the attention being paid to the HTC One from accessories makers just goes to show that this is one phone that's got star quality of its own.

You may not have the celebrity status to warrant your own bodyguard. But your phone sure deserves its own faithful, round-the-clock protection. And with Bodyguardz, that's what it gets. So if you're looking for the best screen protectors for iPhone, iPad, Android phones and more, look no further.

With its motto of "clearly tough," Bodyguardz boasts a large and widely varied line of high-quality, custom-cut screen protectors for nearly every need.

And if your looking for a full-coverage option, their Ultra-Tough Clear Skins provide coverage for the entire surface of your device. To boot, they've also been coated with an anti-microbial solution, so your phone stays nice and clean.

Always easy to apply, you won't have to worry about bubbles with Bodyguardz screen protectors. You can put them on your phone in just a minute or two and apply them with or without a gel. And should you ever need to replace them, they won't leave your phone all gummed up with residue.

BodyGuardz HD Anti Glare ScreenGuardz Screen Protector for iPad 3

As you'd expect from the maker of some of the best screen protectors out there, Bodyguardz has a pretty extensive list of devices they design for, from Phone 5 or iPad, to BlackBerry and Android phones like the Samsung Galaxy S3. And becuse each is custom cut for the device, these screen protectors always match up perfectly.

It seems Bodyguardz screen protectors have got it covered from every angle – they're barely visible, extra durable and affordable,l keeping your favorite device scratch free, clean and easy to use. And that makes them our mobile accessory of the week.

We're turning up the bass with today's accessory of the week. That's because Moshi's Vortex Premium In-Ear Headphones are designed to deliver fast articulate bass without any distortion. Most of us know Moshi for their high-quality carrying cases, bags, chargers, and other iPhone accessories. But these awesome little earbuds prove the company's just as good with audio.

Compatible with Android devices like Samsung's Galaxy line, BlackBerry handsets and Apple products, like iPhone, iPod and iPad, these earbud-style headphones for iPhone and more are ideal for listening via mobile phone. With an integrated mic, you can easily take or end calls without unplugging your headphones.

And taking this smartphone compatibility even further, Moshi's even developed an iOS app that'll speed up what's called the "burn-in" process. Never heard of it? Here's a quick rundown from Moshi:

"Like breaking in a new pair of leather shoes, high-quality headphones perform better once they've been used over time. This process can take several weeks or even months [...] By playing back a curated list of tones/frequencies, the Moshi Audio Burn-In Tool allows the headphone diaphragms to relax and reach their optimal level of sonic performance."

All that basically means that your headphones will reach optimal performance level much quicker.

As for the actual sound clarity, a lot has gone into the Vortex Premium Headphones. Moshi promises that the high-definition HR8 neodymium drivers housed in the headphones' steel alloy construction "vastly improves low frequency extension, but also renders silky smooth highs." So you'll get clean bass and smooth treble.

That's a whole lot of features from such a small accessory, and there's a lot more that the length of this review can't cover. But if you want details, Moshi's got a lot of in-depth information available on their website.

But, as a quick recap, these Android, BlackBerry and iPhone compatible headphones from Moshi make the grade for us because they're the total package: Slick-looking and durable steel alloy design, convenient omnidirectional mic, high-quality sound that's clear and undistorted, a nice protective carrying case, and a reasonable pricepoint.

When it comes to Bluetooth headsets for phones, not all are created equal. And Plantronics' Voyager Lengend, today's mobile accessory of the week, is proof of that. Branded as "the world's smartest headset," the Voyager Legend is designed first and foremost for sound clarity and intuitive use, two areas in which it certainly excels.

And if you're still not sure, you can always check out the sound comparison clips on Plantronics' website.

But what makes a great headset isn't just top-notch sound. It should also be easy to use and uncomplicated. That's where the Voyager Legend's intelligent design features really come in.

With its Smart Call Routing feature, the headset "Intuitively directs calls to your phone or headset, pauses music for incoming calls, and allows you to automatically answer by simply placing the headset on your ear."

And with Caller Announce and Voice Command capabilities, the Voyager Legend also makes it easy to answer, end or ignore calls hands-free, which come in especially handy while driving.

Meanwhile, the headset itself is clearly built to withstand the wear and tear of everyday use, and it's even designed to protected against sweat and moisture witha nano-coating dubbed P2i technology. That means you don't have to worry about getting caught in the rain or accidentally setting your headset down on a wet surface.

And if you're the type who tends to use more than one device on a daily basis, this headset's Multipoint technology will allow you to pair and maintain connection with two different devices. That's especially nice since the Voyager Legend is compatible with most phones or tablets, from iPhone to Android devices and more.

Oh, no! You're out for the day but forgot your iPhone charging cable at home. The only way anything in your wallet is going to help you now is if you head to the nearest electronics store and pick up an extra Apple phone charger, right?

Not necessarily, if you've got a ChargeCard. Gizmodo and Mashable reported this week on a new product which originally popped up on Kickstarter but has since found enough funding to start shipping some models.

The credit card-shaped Apple accessory works like a USB data cable for iPhone 4 or iPhone 5. But, at the thickness of about three regular credit cards, it conveniently fits in your wallet, so you're likely to have it on you at all times.

For the time being, the makers of the ChargeCard are only starting to ship microUSB and iPhone 4 dock connector models. but they've also got a lightning version for iPhone 5 in the works, as well as models for BlackBerry and Android phones.

We're not saying that the ChargeCard will totally replace your other iPhone chargers. Obviously, it serves quite a different purpose than, say, an iPhone desktop charger. And, unlike your traditional Apple cable charger, which you can use at any outlet, the ChargeCard needs a USB port to work.

But it's still a clever accessory and, at its cheap $25 price tag, it's an iPhone accessory that's totally worth it, even as just a backup way of extending battery life.

Sony's Xperia Z, one of two new phones the company just unveiled at CES 2013

Last week, on Pure Mobile's Canadian blog, we reported on a leaked picture of two yet to be unveiled smartphones that prematurely popped up on Sony's website. The devices in question were quite clearly the newest additions to Sony's Xperia line, but we expected to have to wait until this week's Consumer Electronics Show (CES) to get some real idea of their specs.

And now as expected, Sony has brought the Android-powered Xperia Z and Xperia ZL to CES 2013 in Las Vegas, where attendees got to have the first real hands-on with the new phones, both of which are "worth getting excited about," according to Gizmodo.

According to reports, both phones have just about the same internal specs. Each sports a 5-inch,1080p TFT Reality display and a 1.5GHz quad-core Snapdragon S4 Pro processor. And both are LTE-capable, with 2GB of RAM and 16GB of internal storage.

Even the 13MP cameras are the same and both can capture HDR video, except that the Xperia ZL's is rear-facing and the Xperia Z's is front-facing.

Sony's Xperia ZL

So far, the reviews are mostly raves, with Gizmodo calling them "the best phones Sony has ever made, by a huge margin," and with Engadget claiming "Sony may have a bonafide hit on its hands with the Xperia ZL."

So what's really so great about them? Well, for starters, the sleek, glassy surface of the Xperia Z is totally waterproof for up to 30 minutes at up to 3 feet. Meanwhile, the ZL, which isn't waterproof, works as a universal remote. Both phones also boast an awesome Battery Stamina Mode feature, that turns your data stream off when your phone is idle, so your standby time will be increased by up to 400 percent.

For a while now, Sony phones have sort of been taking a backseat to other Android devices. But if the reception at this year's CES is any indication, their newest phones may just have them poised to take a much more aggressive position once the Xperia Z and Xperia ZL launch sometime around March.

But the Bond phone has no real reason to fear the Xperia E. Though they'll be part of the same line, the two smartphones are entirely different beasts, built for different purposes and a different audience for certain.

For starters, the Xperia E seems to have been designed with cost efficiency in mind. Not only is the phone itself an affordable, entry-level device, but it's also built to help you save money when using it.

The XPeria E will be available in a dual SIM model, the XPeria Edual, "so that consumers can easily switch between tariffs with just one touch to stay on the most cost effective plan," says Sony.

Meanwhile, the Xperia E also boasts features to let you save on data and battery. Users can set it up to automatically disconnect from Wi-fi and data once the screen has been inactive for a few minutes. And Sony claims that its extended battery standby mode "increases the standby time up to 4 times" what you normally get from other devices.

For sure, this is an economy-focused phone. But just because it doesn't boast the flashiness of the Bond-approved Xperia T, doesn't mean we should disregard it as merely a cheap device. As Sony's Director of Xperia Marketing Calum MacDougall explains:

"Consumers looking to take their first steps into the world of Xperia smartphones would be well advised to look at Xperia E or Xperia E dual. They are perfect for those seeking affordable access to the quality and functionality more traditionally associated with high-end Android smartphones."

Aside from more or less entry-level specs – it's got a Qualcomm Snapdragon S1 1GHz single-core processor, a 3.5" display with a 480 x 320 resolution, and 4GB of internal memory – it does have a few fancy features. Among them, says PocketLint, is HD voice, which allows for much clearer talk.

Over all, if you're looking for a no-nonsense Android phone without Bond's bells and whistles, the XPeria E and Xperia Edual are probably the going to be a good bet. But we'll have to wait for their release early next year to really know how they perform.

Christmas is less than a month away, and as the days pass, the likelihood of finding a gift for everyone on your list diminishes, right? Wrong.

There are some gifts everyone loves. These days, there isn't a person out there who wouldn't love some sort of gadget or tech-related gift. And, with a quick look into the huge variety of mobile accessories out there, you can easily get through your Christmas shopping and find the right gift for everyone this season.

So Pure Mobile is rounding up the top Christmas gift ideas in mobile accessories and tech for every type – from the sporty to the style-savvy, and even your parents, we've got something that'll make them happy this holiday season.

For the Outdoorsy Athlete: Sony SmartWatch

It's hard to check your phone when you're outside running 5 k every morning. So the jock in your life will probably appreciate a hands-free way to stay connected without interrupting their workout. Enter the Sony SmartWatch.

This high-tech wristwatch works with Bluetooth-enabled Android deices to let the wearer check and control their phone, all from their wrist – an ideal gift for the sporty or outdoorsy type.

For the Smartphone Addict: Glider Gloves

There's at least one phone junkie in your life, and you know by now that rather than try an pry their smartphone out of their hands, it's easier to just enable them with a smartphone-related gift. Make sure they can use their beloved device, no mater what the weather, with a pair of conductive touchscreen gloves that'll let them play with their apps even in the middle of a snowstorm.

for real music lovers, being able to get great audio anywhere is the best gift you could give.

High-end headphones, like a pair from Beats by Dre, or a portable speaker, like the iHome Portable Speaker for Apple devices, will let the music buff in your life enjoy their favorite tunes on the go.

For the Fashion Fiend: Stylish Smartphone Cases for Every Outfit

Choosing a gift for a fashionable friend can be hard, especially when they already tend to treat themselves to whatever tickles their fancy.

Why not give them one more way to accessorize with a selection of stylish cases for their iPhone, Android device, or BlackBerry? A brightly colored, boldly patterned or glamourously sparkling smartphone case, like one of the trendy models from iSkin OtterBox, or Incase, will make the perfect addition to their already extensive wardrobe.

For the Kids: Tablet Creativity from Crayola and Griffin

If it weren't for their price tag and fragility, it might seem tablets were made expressly for children. Kids love laying with iPads and a gift that'll let them do so without damaging the device will score big with the little ones – and their parents.

Griffin and Crayola have partnered for just such a purpose on some products that allow kids to safely interact with tablets, like the Crayola Trace & Draw, and Crayola Color Studio – drawing and coloring tools that will keep the kids busy and the hardware safe.